violent struggle between his desire for
vengeance and his love of legal fame; »I do suppose - that in - that is - strict
law - that supposing - maybe I hadn't a real - lawful right; - but as the case
was - and Billy was so back'ard - I thought I might come for'ard in the
business.«
    »I ask you, again, sir,« continued the lawyer, following up his success,
»whether this old, this friendless old man, did or did not repeatedly forbid
your entrance?«
    »Why, I must say,« said Hiram, »that he was considerable cross-grained; not
what I call clever, seeing that it was only one neighbour wanting to go into the
house of another.«
    »Oh! then you own it was only meant for a neighbourly visit on your part,
and without the sanction of law. Remember, gentlemen, the words of the witness,
one neighbour wanting to enter the house of another. Now, sir, I ask you if
Nathaniel Bumppo did not again and again order you not to enter?«
    »There was some words passed between us,« said Hiram, »but I read the
warrant to him aloud.«
    »I repeat my question; did he tell you not to enter his habitation?«
    »There was a good deal passed betwixt us - but I've the warrant in my
pocket; maybe the court would wish to see it?«
    »Witness,« said Judge Temple, »answer the question directly; did or did not
the prisoner forbid your entering his hut?«
    »Why, I some think« -
    »Answer without equivocation,« continued the Judge, sternly.
    »He did.«
    »And did you attempt to enter, after this order?«
    »I did; but the warrant was in my hand.«
    »Proceed, Mr. Lippet, with your examination.«
    But the attorney saw that the impression was in favour of his client, and,
waving his hand with a supercilious manner, as if unwilling to insult the
understanding of the jury with any further defence, he replied -
    »No, sir; I leave it for your honour to charge; I rest my case here.«
    »Mr. District Attorney,« said the Judge, »have you any thing to say?«
    Mr. Van der School removed his spectacles, folded them, and replacing them
once more on his nose, eyed the other bill which he held in his hand, and then
said, looking